Finally, an exercise that did not put me to sleep! I, like others, found the narrator's voice in the Loving Kindness exercise to be a bit distracting. But when I listened to the Subtle Mind exercise, I was more able to just relax and let my mind go where it will. I like relaxation methods that I can do anywhere, anytime, without the need for a CD or other implements. Something that I can do in 5 minute increments during the day regardless of whether I'm at home during my son's nap, in the waiting room at the dr's office, or waiting for my daughter's school bus on the corner.
I believe spiritual wellness is crucial to mental and physical health. I have noticed before that when I'm stressed out or hurting either mentally or physically, my first instinct is to turn inward and nurse my spiritual aspect, whether by simply taking a nap to give my brain time to reset, or full meditation if I need to analyze something without the distractions of daily life.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Loving Kindness
My first thought on the Loving Kindness exercises is kinda random. It's mostly, I REALLY need to start taking a nap before doing these relaxation exercises. My body is so used to my use of meditation to fight off insomnia that it instantly equates the exercises with sleep.
Once I woke up and restarted the tracks, it was great. I finished the exercises much more focused than I had been before. Right now I plan to move on and finish the rest of my homework while I'm still relaxed and able to concentrate.
The idea of a mental workout is to condition the mind so it takes to tasks better, is more focused, and is more observant. Research has shown that even mini workouts improve clarity and focus. I love doing mental workouts here and there when my mind starts to scatter.
Once I woke up and restarted the tracks, it was great. I finished the exercises much more focused than I had been before. Right now I plan to move on and finish the rest of my homework while I'm still relaxed and able to concentrate.
The idea of a mental workout is to condition the mind so it takes to tasks better, is more focused, and is more observant. Research has shown that even mini workouts improve clarity and focus. I love doing mental workouts here and there when my mind starts to scatter.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Week 3
1) I would rate my physical wellness to be around a 5. I've had a lot of issues this pregnancy, and I spend most days just wanting to lounge and sleep because I don't have the energy to devote to anything else, and I have to take care of my two year old by myself most weekdays. I find myself occasionally wishing I could get my midwife to just admit me to the hospital for this last 12 weeks so I could get some rest and (mostly) uninterrupted me time. Despite this, I would rate both my spiritual and mental wellness to be closer to an 8. Yes, the constant illness and pain wear, but I'm usually able to look forward and know I'm already doing the best I can, and it's not permanent.
2) My goals for all three areas of focus would be to just hang in there a little longer. Remember the rewards at the end of the journey, take my meds on schedule to help with the symptoms, and remember that it's ok to take time for myself in between the demands of daily life.
3) I need to go back to taking naps when my son takes his, asking my husband to help out where he can, and just taking a deep breath when things start to get to be too much. This too shall pass.
4) For whatever reason, I always forget that I have trouble doing these meditation exercises. Primarily because I typically use such exercises to fight insomnia, I usually find myself falling asleep. This time, I didn't even realize it, but I fell asleep in the first few minutes and missed the rest of the exercise lol.
2) My goals for all three areas of focus would be to just hang in there a little longer. Remember the rewards at the end of the journey, take my meds on schedule to help with the symptoms, and remember that it's ok to take time for myself in between the demands of daily life.
3) I need to go back to taking naps when my son takes his, asking my husband to help out where he can, and just taking a deep breath when things start to get to be too much. This too shall pass.
4) For whatever reason, I always forget that I have trouble doing these meditation exercises. Primarily because I typically use such exercises to fight insomnia, I usually find myself falling asleep. This time, I didn't even realize it, but I fell asleep in the first few minutes and missed the rest of the exercise lol.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Intro and Reflections
Intro:
My name is Janelle. I'm a married mom of 2 with one on the way, so life is pretty busy right now! Just trying to get through this term, then I have December term off as I'm due Jan 5th. If I can just fight off the burn-out the next several weeks, I'll be good!
Reflective:
A lot of my mental reflection right is centered on the coming baby, and my hopes and fears for our life after he's here. I want to jump back into school the term following his birth and finish my degree. Where do I want to go with it after that? There's a couple of options I'm exploring. Finances are always a worry. Will I be able to keep up with my studies with two under three and trying to find a job as well? I've had a number of health issues with this pregnancy, which wear on a person. What was I thinking to think I could handle a pregnancy at 30? All this mixes in my head, which doesn't help my already insistent insomnia.
My name is Janelle. I'm a married mom of 2 with one on the way, so life is pretty busy right now! Just trying to get through this term, then I have December term off as I'm due Jan 5th. If I can just fight off the burn-out the next several weeks, I'll be good!
Reflective:
A lot of my mental reflection right is centered on the coming baby, and my hopes and fears for our life after he's here. I want to jump back into school the term following his birth and finish my degree. Where do I want to go with it after that? There's a couple of options I'm exploring. Finances are always a worry. Will I be able to keep up with my studies with two under three and trying to find a job as well? I've had a number of health issues with this pregnancy, which wear on a person. What was I thinking to think I could handle a pregnancy at 30? All this mixes in my head, which doesn't help my already insistent insomnia.
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